In this great
world of ours, the wheels of progress spin at an astonishing
rate, and in the wake of this growth, we stand witness to the
changes that have been made before us. There are times when we
agree with change. It's seen as a betterment to ourselves, our
communities, country and our world. Some change goes unnoticed.
It doesn't impact our personal lives, we've grown complacent and
trust that it's for the best. But then there are times when
these powerful wheels of progress pose detriment to what we
value and respect, and we are compelled with a sense... to stand
in opposition.

And
so, how it was for those who stood under the banner of the
Woodstock Preservation Alliance. The wheels of change had
reached the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival - the
global icon to a generation, monument to peace, holding
historical merit which deemed it eligible for the National
Register 17 years ahead of its time - and there were many who
stood in opposition.

The mission of the Woodstock
Preservation Alliance was to perpetuate the spirit of Woodstock
and to preserve the site as an open field where all people would
be welcome to celebrate peace, love and music. It was the
compelling sense of a few, who embraced that mission and evolved
into an independent preservation entity and led the cause for
the historical preservation of an irreplaceable piece of global
history and fought for the adherence to the best practices in
preservation planning. This website is a compilation of those
efforts, which spanned over 2 years and included local, state
and federal government/agencies.

The Woodstock Preservationists did
pose consequence to this development. Project plans were
downsized by 90 per cent, but unfortunately, our goal of keeping
the Woodstock Site free from all permanent structures was not
realized. Federal financial support granted for the Bethel Woods
project was declined by the Gerry Foundation Inc. (owner of the
property) at the eleventh hour, closing the doors to any further
involvement by the Woodstock Preservationists. Our opportunity
to be most influential - voice concerns and present alternatives
to the federal government at a Section 106 Review - was erased
with their decision to decline federal aid. On July 19, 2004,
ground was broken for Bethel Woods - Center for the Arts, which
includes the development of the 38 acre parcel known worldwide
as the Woodstock Site. For 35 years, this landmark had remained
virtually untouched, drawing thousands of visitors annually from
around the world - without as much as a road sign pointing the
way. People who travel from all corners of the world, and all
walks of life, to experience what that land has to hold - and
what it represents.

The wheels of progress bring about
change, and in the wake of this growth, we will bear witness to
the destruction of a national and global icon, which defined a
generation, rich in social, cultural, and historical
significance. The 1969 Woodstock Festival Site will be altered
forever.

This Woodstock-Preservation Archives
are a history in themselves, and are being made available as a
testimonial to the effort that was put forth in our attempt to
preserve the Woodstock Site. This website contains documentation
to make it evident that there were those of us who stood up to
the wheels of progress, tried to make a difference, and preserve
a piece of history for generations to come. The Woodstock
Preservationists, the Woodstock Preservation Alliance and the
commitment to the historical preservation of the original
Woodstock Site will forever be a part of the Woodstock Legacy.

Additionally, we hope that this
website and the information contained herein, might serve as a
tool for others. We would like to share our experiences and what
we learned, what we faced and how we approached the issues, and
how we pursued the avenues of preservation with other "concerned
citizens" or "grass roots organizations", who may be facing
similar situations in their struggles to preserve what we value
and respect.

Change is eminent, but not always
necessary. It is our prerogative, as a people, to stand in
opposition when that change infringes on what is best. We, as
ordinary citizens, have a voice and a right to be heard when
progress threatens that which we revere as tangible reminders of
our past - and it is possible for a few people to make
difference.

Released
is 2009 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary, "Woodstock Peace,
Music & Memories" tells the story of this society changing
event, in the words and photos of the people who were there.
The book, with its natural, recycled look and mix of hundreds of
color, sepia and black and white photos, plus interviews with
performers, invites readers to journey back to three days of
peace and music. Everyone from baby-boomers and musicians who
were there and those who wish they were, to collectors and
historians will find that the historical photos, stories and
existing memorabilia in this book serve as a unique tribute to
three history-making days in '69.

WEBSITE LAST UPDATED: 24 January
2015 NEW additions to the Gallery

Website Originally Launched August 2005 / Reconstructed and
Relaunched July 2011

The Woodstock - Preservation Archives uses sights and sounds of this
historical event copyrighted by individuals and corporations, and is protected under code 17 U.S.C. Â§ 107 (1988 ed. and Supp. IV),known
as the Fair Use Provision.